title: Pharmacognostic standardization with various plant parts of Desmostachya bipinnata.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf [Gramineae (Poaceae)] has been traditionally used to treat various disorders such as asthma, kidney stone, diarrhea, wound healing, etc.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study involves pharmacognostic, botanical, and preliminary phytochemical examination of various plant parts and powders of D. bipinnata.
  
  
  METHODS
  Leaves, stem, roots, underground and aerial part powders were microscopically examined. Pharmacognostic standardization parameters were determined as per the WHO guidelines. Parameters, including extractive value in different solvents, ash values, and loss on drying, were determined. Preliminary phytochemical studies, fluorescence analysis, and chromatographic profiling were performed for the correct identification of this crude drug and some of its phytoconstituents.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Microscopical studies showed various characteristic features including, collateral vascular bundle, bundle sheath cells, and bulliform cells in leaf, conjoint, collateral and closed vascular bundles, and sclerenchymatous sheath in stem; and silica bodies in root. Phytochemical screening and chromatographic profile of aerial plant parts revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, and coumarins. Underground plants parts indicated the presence of glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, coumarins, and alkaloids.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the performed studies are helpful in correct identification, characterisation of D. bipinnata. Preliminary phytochemical studies and chromatographic profiling may be helpful in further isolation and purification of lead compounds from different extracts.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jodhpur National University , Boranada, Jodhpur, Rajasthan , India and.
authors.forename: Anupama
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Vikas Anand
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Saharan
authors.forename: Anil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bhandari
mesh_terms: D002845:Chromatography / Q000379:methods; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D008853:Microscopy; D035261:Plant Components, Aerial; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018517:Plant Roots; D006109:Poaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D014944:World Health Organization
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts